More: Good point.
JL: Look, there are good days and bad days. There are positive experiences and negative experiences. Despite what many people may think, this show has helped us in many ways.

More: How so?
JL: It opened up the doors of communication between me and my daughter Ashley. Because of this series Ashley has been able to see things from my perspective and I have been able to see things from her perspective, because our moments are recorded and then played back. Doing this has allowed us resolve our differences, which to me is a blessing.

More: What triggered Ashley’s bad behavior?
JL: We moved to New Jersey when Ashley was entering the fifth grade. Many of the girls who already lived here were in their cliques so it was hard for Ashley to fit in. In addition to that, Ashley had pressures at school and was dealing with some bullying. Then add into the mix that I got pregnant with her brother CJ. Although Ashley loved having a brother, the hard part for her was that a lot of time and attention went into taking care of a newborn.

More: Did Ashley have a hard time accepting that your boys’ father [Jacqueline's husband, Chris Laurita] lives with you while her dad [Jacqueline's first husband, John Holmes] lives in Texas?
JL: Yes, that did bother her. Ashley has four brothers on her dad’s side of the family and two with me and my husband Chris. I think there is a part of her that feels she missed out on having both her mother and father with her while she was growing up. Because Ashley lived with me and spent holidays with him, I think she struggled with always feeling like she was missing out on something.

More: Was Ashley’s dad a prominent figure in her younger years?
JL: Ashley’s dad was not that active in her life until later on. He was in and out of her life.

More: What is Ashley’s relationship with your husband?
JL: It is great. She calls Chris Dad and her dad, Daddy. Chris has been in Ashley’s life since she was five years old.

More: Fans have witnessed all of the drama and tension Ashley brings into your household. Has this situation put a lot of unwanted stress on your marriage?
JL: No. Chris and I are very strong and have an incredible connection. If anything, we work as a team playing good cop/bad cop.

More: How are you dealing with all of this?
JL: Good now. This past season was extremely hard for me. I had a daughter who moved across the country, two very small children who require a tremendous amount of attention, plus the pressures of the show. It’s been a lot.

More: What was the straw that broke the camel’s back?
JL: When we didn’t see a change in her behavior, I decided I needed to get her away from the cameras and off the show, regardless of what the contract says. Although Ashley is my daughter, she just wasn’t motivating. Ashley was going out all night, sleeping all day and not working toward a goal. Finally, my sister-in-law in Las Vegas offered to take her in and show her the other side of the tracks.

More: Sounds like a dose of tough love.
JL: We told Ashley, you cannot come back here until you have a concrete plan that you are ready to execute. You have to be enrolled in school, you have to have a job and you have to be active.

Share Your Thoughts!

Comments

Seriously????! I have such respect for More magazine and the amazing women featured. Women I can relate to. I thought your magazine was above the fray of contributing to the fame and fortune of no talent reality stars. I'm so disenchanted with your magazine for doing a story on one of the "real" housewives.